Common timing belt related questions

Q. Is a timing belt the same as a cambelt?

A. They are both the same

Q. How do I know if a timing belt is fitted to my vehicle?

A. Look in your vehicle hand book or give us a call and we can confirm this.

Q. When should I replace my timing belt?

A. Timing belts should be replaced and a certain mileage or time intervals. This could be anything from 50,000 miles up to 100,000 miles or 5 years.

Q. What would happen if my timing belt snapped?

A. Your engine would stop immediately

Q. Are there any warning signs that a timing belt is about to snap?

A. The simple answer is no, but if you hear any unusual noises coming from your engine, don't ignore it, get it checked out.

Q. If my timing belt snaps will it damage my engine.

A. If your engine is an Interference Engine, which nearly all modern engines are, then the answer is yes, The timing belt (see picture) is connected to the camshaft and the crankshaft, when the belt snaps the turning momentum of the crankshaft that the pistons are attached to will hit the valves in the cylinder head.

Q. Will I have to have a new engine fitted?

A. In very extreme cases the engine may be damaged beyond repair but normally the damage can be repaired, this is what we specialize in.

Q.What has to be done to repair an engine that has suffered from a snapped timing belt/timing chain?

A. The cylinder head has to be removed from the engine block and the valves are stripped from the head. The valve guides are inspected for cracks and replaced if necessary. The damaged valves are replaced and the cylinder head is rebuilt fitting new valve steam oil seals. It is then fitted back onto the engine block using a new head gasket and timing belt / chain.

Q. What can be done to avoid my timing belt snapping?

A. Simply have a new timing belt fitted.

Q. I've just bought a new car but the previous owner didn't know if the belt had been replaced. What should I do?

A. If in ANY doubt whatsoever just fit a new timing belt.

Q. Can't I just get it checked to see if it needs changing?

A. You can however on many cars it can take as much time to strip it down to check the belt as it does to change it.

Q. My timing belt looks new and still has clear writing on it, will I be OK to leave it?

A. That is entirely your choice, but in our experience the best policy is to change it.

Q. Where can i get my Timing belt checked and changed in Nottingham?

A. Bring it straight down to us, our friendly staff will be more then happy to give you any advice, diagnose any noise or change your timing belt.

Q. I'm going away on holiday and taking my car, I know the timing belt needs changing but I cant afford it, what would you do?

A. While travelling to your holiday destination and you're on the motorway - if the timing belt fails your car will STOP. You will be have to be recovered off the motorway to the nearest garage and it may take several days to repair and several hundred pounds. The simple answer to your question is - get a belt fitted.

OUR ADVICE

If in doubt, have a new belt fitted. It could save you a lot of money. If you need any help or advice whatsoever pick up the phone and speak to us today.

Solution to a snapped belt

If your car should suffer a timing-belt failure, bring it directly to R.B. Lindley & Son. 0115 979 0818

Our process:

The first step we take is to check, before removing the cylinder head, to see if any damage is likely to have been caused.

In certain cases some engines have clearance and the pistons will not have caused damage to the valves.

However, if there are signs of damage, the cylinder head will be removed from the engine block by one of our experienced engine repairers and then passed on to our machine shop for the damage to be repaired.

Common timing belt problems include bent valves or valve guides, or in extreme cases we see broken camshafts.

Once the cylinder head has been overhauled and refaced, it is then ready to be re-fitted to the block assembly – making sure at all times that all relevant technical information is adhered to.

In addition, a new timing belt or full timing belt kit will often need to be fitted

Any questions please give us a call on 0115 979 0818